New Zealand’s Nico Porteous freeski half-pipe gold is so ‘wholesome’

There have been great moments all through the Olympics but New Zealand’s second ever gold has been honoured in perfect fashion.

This is the Olympics at its best. Photo: Getty Images

There have been a lot of gold medals given out by the penultimate day of the Beijing Winter Olympics, but none have been as wholesome as New Zealander Nico Porteous’.

The 20-year-old is just the second gold medallist in New Zealand’s history, following Sydney-born Kiwi Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s slopestyle gold earlier in the Games.

The young pair have given New Zealand its greatest ever Games, despite taking just 15 athletes, claiming two gold and a silver to sit 16th at time of writing.

Australia sent 43 athletes, also claiming our greatest ever medal haul with one gold, two silver and a bronze to sit 18th, while Great Britain sent 50 athletes and had not claimed a medal — although will win gold or silver in the men’s curling.

But while Porteous claimed the second gold for the Kiwis, his wholesome celebration could not be beaten.

The reigning freeski half-pipe world champion, Porteous scored 93.00 to take the lead on his first attempt, although he ran out of speed on his second run and crashed on his third, ending American David Wise’s hunt for a third straight Olympic title. He finished second on 90.75.

His American teammate Alex Ferreira was third on 86.75.

But Porteous was the story on top of the podium.

And as he waited to find out he had won, Porteous stood with his brother and fellow competitor Miguel.

Doesn’t get much better than this. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Miguel carries Nico in brilliant scenes. Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP

Although Miguel finished 11th with a best score of 63.50, the 22-year-old was right next to his younger brother as he was unveiled as the Olympic champion.

“I think that’s something me and him will cherish for the rest of our lives,” Porteous told New Zealand’s Sky. “Being able to come down and give him a hug at the bottom and have him there right by my side the whole time … isn’t that anyone’s dream to have your family right there next to you in one of your proudest moments?”

Miguel also hoisted his brother onto his shoulders as the celebrations continued.

The pair’s parents Chris and Andrew said they were “super proud” of their children and praised both of them for doing their best.

But they were also pleased to see the boys able to celebrate together.

“I think Miguel was as excited as anyone, it’s great for both of them,” Andrew said.

That wasn’t all however, as the New Zealand Winter Olympic team then paid tribute to Porteous’ golden performance with a haka in the snow as temperatures reached -25.

Great scenes. Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Speaking to Channel 7 about the haka, Porteous added: “You know, New Zealand and the Haka and to have that moment, I mean, there are so many things I’ll never forget in my life and that will be one of them.”

New Zealand journalist Sarah Robson tweeted: “More wholesome Nico Porteous content on the timeline please”.

Washington Post’s Ava Wallace added: “Something I’ve definitely never seen before: after kiwi Nico Porteous takes gold in men’s half-pipe, the NZL team does what I can only describe as a snow Haka. I hope they showed that on tv”.

— with AFP